Irish firm Chanelle moves into pet food

Irish animal health company Chanelle is expanding in to the pet food business by buying PBS Sales for €4 million.

Chanelle began expanding beyond health products three years ago, and distribution of "pet accessories" already accounts for €14 million of the group's estimated €60 million annual turnover.

Michael Burke, managing director of the Chanelle group, said there were ''great opportunities'' in the pet supplies sector.''This is our first acquisition and provides an excellent synergy to our existing business," said Mr Burke, who founded the group in 1983.

Chanelle now employs 240 staff, and has offices in Ireland, Britain and France.
It is the biggest veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturer in Ireland and also makes generic drugs for humans.